Gourmet . . . donuts? You better believe it!
The Food Network Challenge has selected another neighborhood eatery for its show, Tangletown’s Mighty-O Donuts. The episode airs Sunday, April 10th at 8 PM.
An enthusiastic donut-eater myself, I caught up with Mighty-O’s competitor, “donut creator extraordinaire” Sara Beth Russert.
I know you aren’t supposed to give away the ending, but what was the challenge?
We had to make several different kinds of donuts and create a showpiece, a giant donut sculpture. I kept mine – it will be on display in the cafe after the episode airs.
What was it like taping the show?
Really stressful! The day of The Challenge I got up at 4 AM and it lasted 17 hours. There was no time to eat or drink, I drank a lot of water and ate energy bars. There are lights and cameras everywhere and the timer is always running.
What makes Mighty-O donuts unique?
We don’t use traditional donut additives – preservatives, artificial colors or flavorings. The ingredients are vegan and organic. So that creates an extra challenge. We use unrefined whole grains which are heavier and heartier, and give the donuts more bite and substance. Some of my favorites are seasonal fall flavors like Pumpkin and Apple. We have a Blueberry coming up with local berries from Bellevue.
How did you get into donut making?
12 years ago I became a vegan for animal rights and had to learn how to bake because there was nothing available. I got a job at a vegan cafe and bakery where I trained. I’ve been working at Mighty-O full time for 5 years now.
Any more tidbits about the show?
It was nerve-wracking to know I was going up against Top Pot and that it would be a hometown showdown. Seattle is a top spot on the map for donuts! Also the Guest Judge will be someone donut lovers will be excited to see!
If you too love donuts and want to attend a private Mighty-O staff screening of the show on Sunday, April 10, post a comment below about what you like best about Mighty-O donuts and why by this Wednesday, April 6 for a chance to win 2 tickets. Bonne Chance and Bon Appetit!
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I tend to be a “clean eater” – so it is awesome to have a craving, such as donuts, and be able to absolutely fulfill it with Mighty-O’s deliciousness. I think that is what sets them apart from Top Pot and the like – MO creates an amazing treat, but attempts to find the nice balance between healthy and decetant. Like O. Wilde said, everything in moderation, including moderation. Organic farmers need our support, but beyond the great pacific nw. As an out-of-stater, I recognize the value in having local businesses get behind that cause.
Way to go MO!
it looks like it is on at 5pm for the HD channel (675) and 8pm for the SD channel (35).
i love everything about Mighty-O donuts!!!
i always order a Don King and a chocolate raspberry with a cup of coffee.
and the staff are always helpful and friendly.
I love how Mighty-O takes a healthy organic spin on the classic donut by creating new and seasonal flavors, and that the fact that they support local businesses and coffee bean farmers. My favorite is the Cuckoo for Coconut and Cinnamon & Sugar, mmm!
My favorite thing about mighty-o is the ingredients, or more the lack of artificial ingredients. I’m always watching cholesterol and my blood pressure due to a medical condition and mighty-o is one of those things i can have without feeling guilty. The french toast donut is my favorite. It also helps that I live half a block away from them. Oh and the baristas and the morning conversations. Love my local hub!
I moved to Seattle for the beer, but I am staying because of a small, albeit mighty, donut shop within running distance of Green Lake. So many things to love at Mighty-O: always friendly staff, the overflowing chocolate cream when I’m early enough to get one, the surprising yeast raised treats they make (Saturday it was a raspberry butterfly), mighty-o makes being vegan easy.
It is “the neighborhood”. Mighty-o IS the neighborhood!!! It embodies our north end of Seattle, and we love that! A real business, real people, real sugar!
I love Mighty-O because, if I’m going to eat sinful, I want it to be good for me! Plus it’s local, great people, and you offer such a variety, my tastebuds never leave unsatisfied. No matter what mood I’m in, you’ve got something for me.
don’t need to win the contest, but just wanna say:
Mighty-O Donuts freaking rock!! we’ve enjoyed them on & off since they were just doing fairs…
more food (network) coolness about wallingford! way to go, ryan & company.
Where to begin??? Simply put, they are the best donuts around. It’s a donut you can eat and not feel like a bomb went off when it hits your belly. I flew to London with a 6 pack for my cousin and she agreed, “The Best”. Do you know how hard it is to fly 12 hours on a crowded airplane and not eat the box of donuts in your carry on?!?
But Mighty-O is so much more than than the donuts. Everyone who works there is fabulous, they are our neighbors, and we look forward to our daily visits, and running into all our other neighbors who happen to be there as well.
Can’t wait to see the show!!!
Oh, where to start?
I love that all the employees at Mighty O’s staff, especially Julie, always have been so sweet and attentive to my little toddler, who made her first trip there when she was just days old. Now 21 months, she can say, “donut,” and she had her first bites of one at Mighty O’s the morning of her first birthday. We even brought over a special plate and candles.
I love that on rainy days while I was on maternity leave, I could walk over to Mighty O’s with my baby sleeping in the Ergo and stand at the counter drinking a hot cocoa, munching on a donut and reading the newspaper. Little outings like that mean so much to a new mom.
I love how much my dad loves Mighty O’s. Whenever he comes to visit, we wake up to donuts and drinks from Mighty O’s.
I love that I never feel bad after eating a Mighty O’s donut.
I love the creativity of Mighty O’s. I can’t wait to try the warm donuts!
There’s so much to love about Mighty O’s … we are so lucky to have you in the neighborhood!
Love Mighty O. Love Mighty O. Love Mighty O. Not a big donut fan, but Mighty O won me over. Way over.
Vegan goodness, easy to love! And my fave donut: cinnamon. Mmmmmm